RIDE OF THEIR LIVES OFFERS INTIMATE LOOK AT AMERICA�S TOP JOCKEYS

Lexington, KY (March 25, 2002) Ride of Their Lives: The Triumphs and Turmoil of Today�s Top Jockeys, a new book by award-winning author Lenny Shulman, goes behind the scenes to offer an intimate look at America�s top Thoroughbred jockeys.

Based on revealing interviews, Shulman, the features editor for The Blood-Horse magazine, profiles 14 top riders, including five-time Eclipse award winner Jerry Bailey, Gary Stevens, Pat Day, Corey Nakatani, and Laffitt Pincay Jr., Thoroughbred racing�s all-time leading rider. The book describes each jockey�s love for horse racing as they share their stories on how they became riders and what has propelled them to the top of their profession.

"Jockeys perform the most perilous job in sports, yet are among the most underrated athletes in the world," said Shulman. "They put their lives on the line every time they get on a horse, often riding seven or eight horses a day, six days a week. Most must diet to keep their weight at levels lower than the average 12-year-old boy, yet they need immense strength to control thousand-pound Thoroughbreds. The strength and the skill and the bravery of these guys should be appreciated."

Among the most revealing tales shared by the riders are many of their struggles with substance abuse and weight control. All too often, drugs, diuretics, and archaic sweatboxes are used in the battle against weight. Riders also tell what it is like to win the Kentucky Derby and just miss capturing the Triple Crown.

"The book is both a profile of these marvelous, and often misunderstood, athletes, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of America�s most popular sports," said Shulman. "I know that I came away with an even greater appreciation of these men than when I began, and with 14 more rooting interests at the track."

The fourteen jockeys profiled in Ride of Their Lives are: Chris Antley, Jerry Bailey, Russell Baze, Jorge Chavez, Pat Day, Eddie Delahoussaye, Kent Desormeaux, Mark Guidry, Chris McCarron, Corey Nakatani, Laffit Pincay Jr., Mike Smith, Gary Stevens, and Pat Valenzuela.

Ride of Their Lives is on sale in bookstores now for $24.95. The book can also be purchased by calling 1-800-582-5604 or visiting www.exclusivelyequine.com.

An Emmy Award-winning writer/producer, Shulman lives near Lexington, Kentucky.

For a copy of Ride of Their Lives or to set up an interview with the author please contact Michele Terry at Eclipse Press at 800-866-2361, ext. 6832.

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